Which States Have Medical Marijuana In 2022?

Medical Marijuana

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March 8, 2022

Which States Have Medical Marijuana In 2022?

Your essential guide to which states have legalized marijuana, and how to proceed when buying weed there.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Now that the stigma surrounding cannabis is lifting, more and more people realize that medical marijuana can help enhance the quality of their lives. Most U.S. states have initiated MMJ programs, but each has different qualifying conditions, possession limits, and home-grow regulations.

This article will cover the basics for each state with legalized medical marijuana in 2022.

legal marijuana — Photo by traffic_analyzer/Getty Images

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in the US

In most states, getting a medical marijuana card involves:

Obtaining a written recommendation from a physician
Filing an application
Paying a non-refundable fee

The association, My Marijuana Cards, can help you discover how to get a medical marijuana card in your state and find a doctor who can recommend medical cannabis.

US States with Medical Marijuana Programs

Alaska

Alaska legalized medical marijuana on November 4, 2014, and initiated its program in 2016.

Conditions: Most chronic or debilitating diseases
Limit: 1 ounce
Home grow: 6 plants

Arizona

The Arizona state government passed Proposition 203 in 2010, legalizing medical marijuana. Arizona opened its recreational market in January 2022.

Conditions: Most chronic or debilitating diseases.
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: Only for patients who live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.

Arkansas

Arkansas residents voted in favor of medical marijuana in 2016, and the law was amended in 2017.

Conditions: Debilitating conditions that have not responded to any other treatment in six months
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: No

California

The first state to legalize medical marijuana, California has given patients access to cannabis products since 1996.

Conditions: Any condition with a doctor’s recommendation.
Limit: 8 ounces
Home grow: 6 mature and 12 immature plants

Colorado

Colorado initiated its MMJ program in 2000 and was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.

Conditions: Qualifying debilitating medical conditions
Limit: 8 grams/day
Home grow: 6 plants

Connecticut

In 2012, Connecticut became the 17th state to legalize medical marijuana.

Conditions: A wide range of chronic conditions
Limit: 3.5 ounces/month
Home grow: 3 mature and 3 immature plants

Delaware

Delaware’s SB17 legalized medical marijuana in 2011.

Conditions: Cancer, AIDS, PTSD, cirrhosis; ALS, Alzheimer’s, cachexia, chronic pain, and severe nausea, seizures, or muscle spasms.
Limit: 6 ounces
Home grow: No

Florida

Florida’s MMJ Legalization Initiative was passed in 2016.

Conditions: As determined by a licensed physician
Limit: 70-day supply
Home grow: No

Hawaii

Hawaii started its medical cannabis program in late 2000. In 2022, the state stopped requiring doctors’ approvals for patients over 65.

Conditions: Cachexia, cancer; Chrohn’s, chronic pain, seizures, glaucoma; HIV/AIDS, MS multiple sclerosis, nausea, and other conditions subject to state approval.
Limit: 4 ounces
Home grow: 10 plants

Illinois

Illinois initiated its MMJ Program in 2013 and became a legal recreational cannabis state in 2020.

Conditions: As determined by the physician; subject to state approval.
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: No

Louisiana

Louisiana started its limited medical cannabis program after legislation was passed in 2017.

Conditions: Cachexia, cancer; Crohn’s disease, epilepsy; HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, spasticity.
Limit: 30-day supply of non-smokable products
Home grow: No

Maine

Maine’s citizens have had access to medical cannabis since 1999.

Conditions: Seizures, glaucoma, MS, nausea, HIV/AIDS, cancer, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s, Cachexia, and other illnesses approved by the state
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: 6 plants

Maryland

Eligible patients gained access to Maryland’s MMJ program in 2013.

Conditions: Any severe condition for which other treatments have been ineffective
Limit: 120 grams
Home grow: No

Massachusetts

Massachusetts implemented its medical marijuana program in 2013.

Conditions: As determined by the patient’s physician
Limit: 10 ounces every two months
Home grow: 12 flowering, 12 vegetative

Michigan

Michigan’s MMJ program started in 2008, and recreational cannabis sales began in 2018.

Conditions: Cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, glaucoma, ALS, Crohn’s, epilepsy, MS, Alzheimer’s, nail-patella, cachexia, and severe pain, nausea, seizures, or muscle spasms
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: 12 plants

Minnesota

Minnesota voters passed a bill legalizing MMJ in 2014.

Conditions: ALS, cancer/cachexia, AIDS, glaucoma, seizures; severe and persistent muscle spasms, autism, sleep apnea, and terminal illness
Limit: 30-day supply; no smokables
Home grow: No

Mississippi

Mississippi began accepting applications for its MMJ program in 2022.

Conditions: A range of serious conditions
Limit: TBD
Home grow: TBD

Missouri

Missouri voters passed medical marijuana legislation in 2018.

Conditions covered: Chronic conditions as determined by a physician
Limit: 4 ounces/month
Home grow: 6 plants

Montana

Montana’s MMJ program began in 2008.

Conditions: Cachexia, chronic pain or nausea, epilepsy, MS, Crohn’s
Limit: one ounce
Home grow: 6 plants

Study Says Medical Marijuana Laws Improve Health And Reduce Alcohol Use — Photo by FangXiaNuo/Getty Images

Nevada

Nevada approved MMJ in 2000 and became a legal recreational state in 2017.

Conditions: HIV/AIDS, cancer; MS, epilepsy, glaucoma; cachexia; chronic nausea or pain, and other conditions approved by the state
Limit: one ounce
Home grow: 7 plants

New Hampshire

New Hampshire launched its Therapeutic Cannabis Program in 2013.

Conditions: Illnesses and conditions that cause serious symptoms that cannabis may relieve
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: No

New Jersey

New Jersey started taking applications for its MMJ program in 2011, and recreational sales are coming soon.

Conditions: A wide range of severe and terminal illnesses
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: No

New Mexico

In 2007, New Mexico’s residents gained access to medical cannabis.

Conditions: Arthritis, chronic pain, neuropathy, nausea, cachexia, hepatitis, Crohn’s, PTSD, ALS, cancer; glaucoma, MS, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, terminal illness
Limit: 6 ounces
Home grow: 16 total, 4 mature

New York

New York legalized medical marijuana in 2014 and became a legal recreational cannabis state in 2021.

Conditions: As recommended by a physician
Limit: 3 ounces; 28 grams of concentrate
Home grow: 6 plants

North Dakota

North Dakota passed its Compassionate Care Act in 2016.

Conditions: Upon doctor’s recommendation
Limit: 3 ounces
Home grow: 8 plants if more than 40 miles from a dispensary

Ohio

Ohio’s MMJ program has operated since 2018.

Conditions: As determined by the state medical board
Limit: 90-day supply
Home grow: No

Oklahoma

Oklahoma launched its medical cannabis program in 2018.

Conditions: As determined by physician
Limit: 8 ounces
Home grow: 6 mature plants/ 6 seedlings

Oregon

Oregon followed California in initiating a medical marijuana program in 1998. The state became recreational in 2014.

Conditions: Depending upon state approval.
Limit: 24 ounces
Home grow: 6 mature, 18 seedlings

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania legalized MMJ in April of 2016.

Conditions: As published on PA’s official website
Limit: 30-day supply
Home grow: No

Getting Medical Marijuana Can Sometimes Be Tricky — Here's How To Navigate — Photo by Denise Hasse/EyeEm/Getty Images

Rhode Island

Rhode Island residents could apply for MMJ cards starting in 2006.

Conditions: Epilepsy, MS, cancer, wasting syndrome, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain
Limit: 2.5 ounces
Home grow: 12 plants

Utah

Utah initiated its MMJ program in 2018.

Conditions: A wide range of diseases and conditions
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: 6 plants for people more than 100 miles away from a dispensary

Vermont

Residents of Vermont started applying for its MMJ program in 2004.

Conditions: HIV/AIDS, cancer; MS, glaucoma; multiple sclerosis, cachexia, chronic pain, PTSD, nausea, seizures, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: 2 mature, 7 immature

Washington

In 1998, Measure 692 legalized MMJ in Washington state.

Conditions: Most chronic conditions upon state approval
Limit: 24 ounces
Home grow: 15 plants

Washington, DC

After an initial ban by city officials, residents of the nation’s capital gained access to medical marijuana in 2010.

Conditions: Any condition that’s “chronic or long-lasting; debilitating; serious medical condition treatable with marijuana”
Limit: 2 ounces
Home grow: No

West Virginia

Registration for West Virginia’s MMJ program began in 2021.

Conditions: Terminal illness, cancer, ALS, PTSD, HIV/AIDS; ALS; Parkinson’s, MS, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, neuropathy, Huntington’s, Crohn’s, seizures, sickle cell anemia, or chronic pain in certain cases
Limit: 30 day supply
Home grow: No

Virginia

Virginians gained legal access to medical cannabis in 2020.

Conditions: Glaucoma, cancer, and as determined by physician
Limit: one ounce
Home grow: 4 plants

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Report: Women And Minorities Still Very Much Underrepresented In Cannabis Industry

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 8, 2022

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Report: Women And Minorities Still Very Much Underrepresented In Cannabis Industry

Women account for 41.9% of the industry’s workers, somewhat below the national business average of 46.8%

By Natan Ponieman

A myth revolves around the legal cannabis industry. Forged out of the ashes of an illegal business, cannabis is often viewed as a space led by revolutionaries, ready to challenge the injustices set by the status quo.

This notion has often perpetuated the idea that cannabis and social justice are inseparable, two sides of the same coin. However, according to a recent report, the cannabis industry is not an exception to the general underrepresentation of women and minorities in the overall U.S. economy.

cannabis minorities equality — Photo by DisobeyArt/Getty Imagess

“Racial and gender diversity in the marijuana industry is still lacking—especially in ownership and executive positions,” reads the report done by the research team at MJBizDaily.

Report author Jenel Stelton–Holtmeier states that social equity initiatives are now an inseparable part of cannabis legalization, but the solution is still not a magical one.

Are Women Well-Represented In Cannabis? Not Really

According to MJBizDaily’s report, only 19% of cannabis businesses are owned by women across Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada and Ohio. Due to a lack of reliable nationwide data available on this issue, the firm used these states as examples to provide a snapshot of the federal market.

In Massachusetts, this number only amounts to 5%.

“Lack of access to capital remains a key challenge for women looking to start a plant-touching business, regardless of the market,” wrote the report’s analysts.

The amount of capital needed to launch a plant-touching cannabis business can surpass six figures and the networks of investors that can provide that amount of money can be hard for women to tap into, noted the report.

In 2021, the number of women in executive positions fell below the national average for the larger U.S. business landscape. This is true across almost every sector of the industry.

This trend had seen an encouraging peak in 2019, reaching 38,6%. However, the number proceeded to drop down to 22.1%.

The subsector where this number is the most worrying is the investments side of the industry, where “less than 5% of executive positions at cannabis-focused investment firms are held by women,” possibly leading to the aforementioned difficulties in access to capital for female entrepreneurs.

In terms of regular employment including non-managerial positions, women account for 41.9% of the industry’s workers, somewhat below the national business average of 46.8%

Minorities Also Fall Far Below Average In Cannabis Ownership

The report looked at Nevada, Colorado and Michigan to showcase different stages of growth in the cannabis industry, from mature (Colorado) to nascent (Michigan).

In all three states, most businesses are not minority-owned, with whites or Caucasians representing ownership of 63% in Nevada, 79% in Michigan and 83% in Colorado.

“Colorado, with its leading position in launching legal cannabis markets, paid no attention to diversity when developing its programs.”

5 Ways To Avoid Unhealthy Marijuana Habits — Photo by rez-art/Getty Images

In New York, where adult-use cannabis was approved earlier this year, there appears to be an intention to tilt the balance, with a stated goal of issuing 50% of adult-use licenses to social and economic equity applicants and 40% of tax revenues to go into a community grants reinvestment fund.

California announced a similar program. Marijuana Moment reported the Golden State is making $100 million available for grants programs to support marijuana social equity initiatives.

In 2021, minority executives were also very low in the charts, representing only 13.1% of the overall managerial positions, in line with the average across all U.S. businesses.

Only as a source of employment for minorities, the cannabis industry surpasses the national average, with 32% of employees coming from a minority, versus just 22% in the entire national economy.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

What Is Marijuana’s Effect On Metabolism?

Cannabis

Maria Loreto

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March 8, 2022

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What Is Marijuana’s Effect On Metabolism?

While the compound may speed up metabolism, there’s not enough information to indicate whether or not it will result in weight loss.

While cannabis is most often associated with the munchies, the plant has an impact on our stomachs in a totally different way: metabolism.

Like most cannabis matters, information on how it affects our metabolism stems from a small sample of scientific studies. There’s a 2018 survey that’s often quoted, which showed that cannabis consumers had higher caloric intakes yet lower BMI than subjects who didn’t consume cannabis.

This relationship is not wholly understood; researchers theorize that this weight loss could be due to the fact that cannabis consumers might drink less alcohol, might be more active, or that compounds in the plant might improve sleep and boost metabolism — all factors that have an influence on weight loss.

marijuana grinder — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

When it comes to metabolism, there’s evidence of cannabis interacting with cannabinoid receptor 1, which has an influence on metabolism and the body’s processing of food. Other factors in cannabis, like THCV and CBD, have also been linked with prompting a faster metabolism and, thus, speeding up fat loss.

This evidence appears to be counterintuitive, primarily because the munchies tend to be associated with higher consumption of calories, particularly junk food, which is a common source of relief for the munchies.

As evidence shows, it’s necessary for experts to do more research on cannabis and its impact on the body. While the compound may speed up metabolism, there’s not enough information to indicate whether or not it will result in weight loss or, if consumed excessively, prompt the opposite result, leading to more munchies and thus more calories consumed.

Cannabis isn’t going to be your answer for weight loss. Still, if it’s part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, it might boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories in the long run.

Cannabis Users In Illinois To Get Workplace Protection

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 8, 2022

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Cannabis Users In Illinois To Get Workplace Protection

The Prairie State legalized the sale of medical cannabis in 2015 and expanded legalization to recreational marijuana in 2020.

By Jelena Martinovic

People in Illinois who enjoy or need cannabis no longer have to fear being fired as a new bill recently approved by the state’s House of Representatives seeks to prohibit most employers from letting go of workers or discriminating against job applicants for testing positive for marijuana use.

The workplace protection legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan (D), is now headed to the Senate, Marijuana Moment reported.

How To Pass A Drug Test Naturally — Photo by Sergey Mikheev/Getty Images

After being approved by the House Labor and Commerce Committee a day earlier, the lawmakers passed an amended version of Morgan’s bill, HB 4116, on a 61–41 vote.

“If we’re going to legalize the substance, you should talk about individual liberties and what people want to do on their weekends,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bob Morgan (D), told local NBC affiliate WGEM before the vote. “We should allow people to make good choices and not be discriminated against in the workplace because of those choices as long as it’s not affecting the workplace.”

The amended bill protects workers who use lawful products off the job during nonworking hours and when the employee is not on call.

However, some exceptions exist for certain categories of employees, including workers who operate heavy machinery or aircraft, carry a weapon, perform emergency services or perform other safety-sensitive tasks, as well as workers at entities that are contractors of the federal Department of Transportation.

Furthermore, employers are allowed to fire employees for being impaired by marijuana while at work.

The Prairie State legalized the sale of medical cannabis in 2015 and expanded legalization to recreational marijuana in 2020.

In 2021, adult-use cannabis sales in the state amounted to nearly $1.4 billion – more than double the figure from the opening year of sales in 2020. Combined with medical cannabis sales, the total marijuana sales reached $1.78 billion, representing an increase of 72% from 2020.

Interestingly, Illinois also took in more tax dollars from cannabis receipts than alcohol in 2021, as recreational cannabis taxes in the state exceeded liquor taxes by nearly $100 million, according to an update released by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

growing marijuana — Photo by Jordan Siemens/Getty Images

D.C. Workers To Avoid Pre-Employment Marijuana Testing

In the meantime, similar legislation in Washington, D.C., is poised to ban pre-employment marijuana testing.

Sponsored by Councilmember Trayon White (D), the proposal approved by the Labor & Workforce Development Committee last week will most workplaces from subjecting job applicants to the procedure.

COVID-19 Can Shrink The Brain By This Much

News

Maria Loreto

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March 7, 2022

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COVID-19 Can Shrink The Brain By This Much

COVID-19 affects different parts of the body. A new study shows how it harms the brain.

The knock-out punches of COVID-19 just keep coming. A new study shows that the virus is actually capable of shrinking people’s brains, accelerating a process that naturally occurs with aging.

Published in the journal Nature and conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, the study was conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the brain, to see if it would increase the odds of people contracting dementia in the future.

Researchers Finally Understand How COVID-19 Affects The Sense Of Smell — Photo by Samantha Gades via Unsplash

Bloomberg explains that the study looked at brain scans taken before the pandemic began and afterwards, following the contagion of almost half of the participants, the majority of which were between the ages of 51 and 81.

Researchers were impressed by the results they found. Brains have the ability to heal themselves, a process known as neuroplasticity. Still, some subjects showed evidence of serious brain damage, with their scans showing a reduction in a variety of areas, including the one that processes the smell. The scans of people who had COVID-19 showed a 0.2%-to-2% reduction in brain size when compared to the people who weren’t infected, while also showing greater cognitive decline. For reference purposes, researchers said that a 0.2 decrease in brain size was barely noticeable in performance, but a 2% reduction was akin to the passage of 10 years time. The older the infected patient, the worse the harm.

Unlike many respiratory viruses, the impact of COVID-19 goes beyond the lungs and respiratory system. Among its most discussed side effects are brain fog, fatigue and symptoms of long COVID-19, which can plague people for months after infection. The impact of the virus on the brain shows a connection between these issues and is evidence of its indiscriminate symptoms.

While helpful and necessary, the study’s results are alarming. They show that the medical community will have to learn how to deal with these symptoms and provide aid to a growing percentage of people who might start presenting them in a few years’ time, long after the pandemic stops being a threat.

Israel Set To Decriminalize Weed As More Marijuana Businesses Join The Emerging Market

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 7, 2022

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Israel Set To Decriminalize Weed As More Marijuana Businesses Join The Emerging Market

Israel has long dominated the cannabis industry in terms of breakthrough research and an emerging marketplace.

By Jelena Martinovic

It seems that Israel is taking steps toward the legalization of recreational cannabis, with the government considering fully decriminalizing adult use.

President Isaac Herzog and Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Sunday that the government is also considering expunging criminal records of those convicted of personal possession or cannabis use, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Israel May Soon Legalize Recreational Cannabis — Photo by Sander Crombach via Unsplash

Once the new regulations are approved, Israelis with a possession or personal use conviction will be able to have their records cleared upon submitting a request with the Justice Ministry, once it is filed for the president to decide upon.

In February, Sa’ar submitted his decriminalization of marijuana plan, which seeks to recategorize cannabis-related offenses from criminal to civil offenses, for public comment, according to the news outlet. The move will “lift the criminal labeling and the stain that accompanies it” and it builds on a proposal that was put forward to amend the Administrative Rules and Order law.’

Currently, cannabis use is partially decriminalized in the Middle Eastern country, with the first two incidents resulting in fines and an indictment filed only upon the fourth offense.

Once Sa’ar signs the regulations — which is expected in the coming days — approval followed by an immediate implementation is anticipated in the Knesset (Israeli parliament) shortly thereafter.

A Mecca For Cannabis Companies

In the meantime, more than 100,000 Israelis hold medical marijuana permits.

Israel has long dominated the cannabis industry in terms of breakthrough research and an emerging marketplace.

Major players have been in the market for some time, and new ones are joining on a regular basis.

International operator IM Cannabis (NASDAQ:IMCC) announced several Israeli market acquisitions in late July, totaling $3.7 million in further investments into the country.

In early July, Curaleaf Holdings Inc (CSE:CURA) (OTCQX:CURLF) exported more than one metric ton of medical cannabis to Israel as part of a larger supply deal with BOL Pharma.

Major U.S. cannabis brand Cookies also got involved last April through a production deal with Israeli brand InterCure Ltd. (NASDAQ:INCR), which is doing business as Canndoc, which recently signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cann Pharmaceutical Ltd., also known as Better, for $35 million. That deal is expected to strengthen its position as the largest, fastest-growing, and most profitable cannabis company outside North America.

Canadian cannabis companies The Flowr Corporation (TSXV:FLWR) (OTC:FLWPF) and Aurora Cannabis (NASDAQ:ACB) kicked off 2022 with the completion of medical cannabis shipments to Israel.

Flowr’s first shipment of $825,000 worth of weed was a part of a previously announced international supply deal with Focus Medical Herbs Ltd., which has a supply deal in Israel with IM Cannabis. Aurora’s shipment was its largest to date, worth CA$10 million ($7.8 million).

Israeli Firm Says Medical Marijuana Best Taken In Microdosing Format — Photo by Esther Kelleter/EyeEm/Getty Images

Cannabis Research Breakthroughs

In 2020 Israeli scientists launched clinical trials into whether cannabis can effectively stop or slow the coronavirus. Three clinical trials utilized CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

In February, a clinical trial conducted by Soroka University Medical Center and Israeli medical cannabis company Cannbit-Tikun Olam (TASE: TKUN) showed promising results, especially for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

RELATED: Israel: Cannabis Powerhouse

Cannabotech, an Israeli biotech firm, recently released the results of an investigation conducted by physicians at the Hadassah Medical Center that revealed the effectiveness of CannaboBreast medications for breast cancer with the protocols involving treatment aimed at biological and hormonal processes combined with chemotherapy. They found a sixfold improvement in reducing cancer cells compared to existing treatment.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Why Is President Biden Accepting Cannabis Donations While Banning Cannabis Investments?

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 7, 2022

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Why Is President Biden Accepting Cannabis Donations While Banning Cannabis Investments?

If President Biden feels this way, why does he happily accept campaign donations from individuals in the cannabis industry?

By Maureen Meehan

In response to new guidance from the Biden Administration’s Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, which states that security clearances may be denied to individuals who invest in legal cannabis securities, U.S. Cannabis Council CEO Steven Hawkins issued the following statement:

“I am deeply disappointed by the Biden Administration’s further stigmatization of America’s rapidly-growing cannabis industry. The new guidance represents a de facto ban on legal cannabis investments for the nearly three million Americans with active security clearances, not to mention hundreds of thousands of current and prospective applicants.”

Joe Biden — Photo by Saul Loeb – Pool/Getty Images

Booming Market Creating Much-Needed Jobs And Revenue

“The US legal cannabis market surpassed $25 billion last year and is a job-creation engine, now supporting roughly 430,000 American jobs. Medical cannabis is legal in 37 states plus DC, and 18 states have legalized adult use of cannabis. What’s more, an overwhelming majority of Americans now support legalizing and regulating adult use of cannabis, and support for medical cannabis has reached 91%. In other words, the train has left the station, and the Biden Administration is quickly being left behind.”

Why Is Biden Accepting Cannabis Campaign Money?

“The guidance from Director Haines says that investing in the burgeoning cannabis securities market ‘could reflect questionable judgment and an unwillingness to comply with laws, rules, and regulations.’ This is frankly offensive and wrongheaded. It also begs the question: If President Biden feels this way, why does he happily accept campaign donations from individuals in the cannabis industry?”

Election Campaign Pledges Long Forgotten

“During the 2020 election, President Biden pledged to decriminalize cannabis and issue pardons to free non-violent cannabis offenders and expunge cannabis offenses. We are still hopeful that the President will deliver on these promises, but we are discouraged by his unforced errors on personnel. An evolution on the issue is overdue.”

Let’s Legalize And All Benefit

“We share President Biden’s commitment to promoting public safety and criminal justice. Legalizing and regulating cannabis would go far in advancing both. I hope President Biden understands that criminals are the only people benefiting from the Schedule I status quo, including the gangs and cartels that fuel the nation’s estimated $65 billion illicit market.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

The Real Benefits Of Buying Weed From A Licensed Dispensary

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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March 7, 2022

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The Real Benefits Of Buying Weed From A Licensed Dispensary

If you buy from a dealer or someone you don’t know well, there’s no real way of telling if the weed you’re about to consume was synthetically produced.

Many of us have had a close relationship with our cannabis dealers especially before weed was legalized. Dealers are often the first point of contact in buying pot from someone that you have known for a while. Even better, if you’ve had a long relationship with them, then they are probably giving you good prices for decent weed — even if you already have several dispensaries in your area and access to online cannabis deliveries.

In many cases, dispensary cannabis is slightly or much more expensive, depending on the variety. So why should you buy weed from one?

marijuana dispenary — Photo by Zummolo/Getty Images

Quality control: A licensed cannabis dispensary gives consumers peace of mind knowing that you can buy not just flower, but a whole range of cannabis products that have met certain safety and quality standards.

Many dispensary products are required to undergo lab testing, and even indicate potency as well as other helpful information such as cannabinoids and terpene content in its label. This way, you don’t have to second-guess how much THC or CBD is in your pot, which is crucial especially for medical patients who need cannabis to treat symptoms of a variety of illnesses.

Cannabis dealers don’t typically grow their own pot – they are merely middlemen who profit from the sale. That means that they don’t provide their clients or patients with important information or guarantees regarding safety and potency. Meanwhile, licensed dispensaries have to adhere to state regulations so they can give you quality assurances. They have to comply to state standards to continue running their business and make a profit honestly.

Product variety: The cannabis industry is now more sophisticated than ever. What this means for consumers is that the breadth of choices is so overwhelming. You can now choose from dozens of strains, cultivars, and consumption methods, many of which can even be customized to meet your needs.

Established dispensaries even have warehouses where they always keep stock of good products. You can find an assortment of marijuana ranging from affordable to top-shelf depending on your budget and needs. Being able to shop at a dispensary, online or in-person, also enables you to compare products and make an informed decision based on your own preferences and research.

Discounts and loyalty programs: Just because you’re buying from a licensed, reputable dispensary doesn’t automatically mean you’ll always have to spend much more money.

You can still enjoy discounts and save money while enjoying all the other benefits of a cannabis dispensary especially if you partake in their loyalty and membership programs. These enable you to take advantage of a variety of money-saving offers such as rewards, dollar deals, free merchandise, daily specials sent straight to your inbox or phone, cash backs, and so much more.

International Cannabis Sales Expected To Reach $35 Million — Photo via Getty/StockstudioX

These loyalty programs are carefully designed by dispensaries to grow their customer base, and there is always something in it for you.

Personalized recommendations: Unlike dealers, budtenders and dispensary staff have to undergo training in order to succeed at their job. This means that they are educated, and in some cases even certified by organizations to sell cannabis professionally.

Dispensary staff are great sources of information when it comes to cannabis. They are up to date with the latest products, strains, and methods of consumption so they are even better people to build relationships with as opposed to your dealer. They are familiar with questions on THC content, first-time dosing guidelines, and many other common issues that they are equipped to answer and you can be sure that their recommendations are safe.

The more you develop relationships with your budtender, the more they will be familiar with your personal preferences and unique needs. With time, they can make excellent recommendations and give you the assistance that you truly need. You will be able to enjoy getting references based on your budget, specific health goals, and lifestyle.

Safety and reduction of health risks: If you buy from a dealer or someone that you don’t know very well, there’s no real way of telling if the pot you’re about to smoke was synthetically produced.

The rise of synthetic cannabis is extremely dangerous and has caused hospitalizations as well as death. Dealers are only after a profit. As mentioned earlier, cannabis sold at licensed dispensaries should be tested somewhat, to ensure that you are consuming cannabis that is safe and free of nasty stuff like mold and toxins — all of which pose serious health risks.

marijuana — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

You won’t be supporting criminals: Buying cannabis from the black market means that your dollar goes to supporting violent crime, while buying from a dispensary supports local businesses and the economy while helping the health care system improve.

Also, keep in mind that illegal cannabis growers don’t care for the environment and the quality of product that they are producing. They use tons of herbicides and pesticides that are so dangerous to consume because they just don’t care.

Having said these, there are things to keep in mind before you go to a dispensary especially if it’s your first time.

For one, budtenders will want to know the effects you’re after. Do you want a strain that will energize or sedate you? Are you after medicinal relief for a specific ailment? Knowing what you are after will enable them to tailor a recommendation based on your needs. Never be afraid to ask questions because it’s always so much better to know that you are leaving a dispensary with a purchase you made because you were educated and informed.

Study Provides Information about Marijuana And Schizophrenia

Benzinga Staff Writer

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March 7, 2022

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Study Provides Information about Marijuana And Schizophrenia

A new study led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provides some hope for those suffering from both schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder.

By Nina Zdinjak

Despite its long history and tradition, there still exist many unknowns when it comes to marijuana. Some claim cannabis has myriad benefits, others issue myriad warnings. What is certain is that everyone seems to have an opinion and few are indifferent on the topic. A study provides information about marijuana and schizophrenia.

With more and more countries around the world embracing the plant, either for medical or recreational purposes causing the industry to boom, a glaring need still persists: research.

Despite the fact that there are more studies and information available these days on marijuana and its effects on our physical and mental health, we are so far from having it all figured out — if that is even a possibility.

A new study led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and published in the journal NPJ Schizophrenia provides some hope for those suffering from both schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder (CUD).

According to this new research, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is related to a reduction in self-reported marijuana use by up to 60% in people with schizophrenia who have cannabis use disorder, reveals Science Daily.

First things first. What is a cannabis use disorder?

Although not often spoken about in this era of marijuana legalization, chronic cannabis use is known to have caused cannabis use disorder. The condition causes marijuana withdrawal symptoms that come from the development of dependency, and are often compared to those of nicotine withdrawal. Most common cannabis withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, poor mood, agitation and sleep problems.

What about schizophrenia? How is this mental health disorder related to cannabis? That’s when research is scant. A chronic illness that affects some 20 million people seems to have an interesting relationship with cannabis, but not everything is completely clear.

One thing though, CAMH clinician-scientist Dr. Tony George explains, “People with schizophrenia have very high rates of cannabis use disorder compared to the general population, and there is strong evidence that cannabis use worsens psychiatric symptoms and quality of life in these people.”

Study Highlights

George talked about the positive results of the new study. “Despite the known harmful effects, there is currently no approved treatment for CUD with or without schizophrenia. These results indicate rTMS may be a safe and effective way to reduce cannabis among people with schizophrenia.”

The double-blind study, said to be the first of its kind to examine the effectiveness of rTMS in treating CUD in people with schizophrenia, was supported by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the CAMH Foundation.

Interestingly, until relatively recently brain stimulation technologies were usually used for treatment-resistant depression. Fortunately, new studies revealed the potential of rTMS in treating drug use cravings for several substances among the general population.

In this study, participants were given rTMS treatment at the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention at CAMH five times a week for a month, targeting the part of the brain that controls the reward system and executive function.

Smoking Marijuana — Photo by Tunatura/Getty Images

Those who were given rTMS confirmed cannabis use reduction of up to 60% after 28 days and also reduced cravings as compared to the control group that received fake rTMS.

The study’s authors explained that the lack of efficient treatments for CUD in individuals with schizophrenia is because people with mental illness are commonly excluded from CUD clinical trials.

“In addition to our ability to conduct clinical trials with brain stimulation at the Temerty Centre, CAMH also has one of the largest schizophrenia outpatient clinics in North America as well as state-of-the-art addiction treatment programs,” Dr. George explained. “All those factors make CAMH one of the few places in the world that can lead a study like this.”

The study’s lead author Dr. Karolina Kozak Bidzinski, added, “It was a difficult study to recruit [] given the intensity of time commitment required by patients. However, the awareness patients had of the negative effects cannabis was having on their lives, the expected benefits of reducing their use, and noticing the various positive outcomes that would surface throughout the duration of the trial, enabled such a high number of patients to complete the study,” Bidzinski said.

“Hopefully this work paves the way for more research into investigating the effects of rTMS as a treatment for cannabis use disorder in people with schizophrenia.”

A Single One Of These Can Affect Your Health

Maria Loreto

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March 6, 2022

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A Single One Of These Can Affect Your Health

A new study found links between alcohol and brain size, showing how many a day can impact the health of people’s brains.

Alcohol is often linked with negative health side effects. It’s correlated with weight gain, cancer, and a variety of diseases. A new study focusing on the brain shows the reach of alcohol’s negative effects, showing that just a drink a day is enough to shrink people’s brains. The more drinks are consumed, the worse the harm.

Published in the journal Nature, the study showed that 50-year-old subjects who had a glass of wine or a beer a day had smaller brains than subjects who only drank half of a beer a day.

This Alcoholic Drink May Have Some Beauty Benefits, Study Finds — Photo by Fred Moon via Unsplash

Brain size is linked with age, with brains beginning to shrink as people enter their 30s and 40s. Study results showed that those who consumed three drinks a day had brains that were three years older than their real age. Having four drinks a day resulted in brains looking a decade older. “It gets worse the more you drink,” said study author Remi Daviet.

The study examined data from 36,000 middle-aged adults in the U.K., a large sample size that allowed researchers to see differences between people had a drink a day and people who had half a drink.

Still, the study can’t imply causation. “Our study is by far the largest investigation of the topic,” study’s co-author Gideon Nave told CNN. “It uses a general population sample, and it controls for more confounds than before. As such, it provides overwhelmingly more evidence than any previous investigations and gets us closer to settling the debate.”

Many factors can go into brain decay, which can be impacted by alcohol consumption, not participating in intellectually stimulating activities, and more.

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Let’s Legalize And All Benefit

If you buy from a dealer or someone you don’t know well, there’s no real way of telling if the weed you’re about to consume was synthetically produced.

A new study led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provides some hope for those suffering from both schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder.

Study Highlights

A new study found links between alcohol and brain size, showing how many a day can impact the health of people’s brains.

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